Youngsters pick up safety skills

A group of 20 people got to play the role of firefighter when they squirted water from an engine at Lichfield fire station.

The event marked the end of a week-long programme called Personal Readiness in a Dangerous Situation (PRIDE) for young people with a learning disability.

Each of the four groups put on a demonstration of the skills they had learned during a presentation in front of their families, staff from Lichfield Day Services and assorted VIPs.

They included an opportunity to set up the hoses and squirt water from one of the fire engines, followed by a presentation of medals and certificates by the vice-chairman of Lichfield District Council, Councillor Bob Hassell, and senior fire and rescue officer Bob Russell.

The course offered the young people an opportunity to equip themselves with important life skills such as communication, teamwork and self-confidence, as well as how to spot potential fire hazards in the home.

Rosemary Rankin, manager of Lichfield Day Services, said: "It was fantastic to see 20 individuals from the day service all being part of this course at the fire station. Their enthusiasm and motivation just furthered their achievements at the passing out parade."

Course director and Lichfield firefighter Mick Bielawski said: "Every individual student has their own particular strengths and weaknesses and we aim to help them to get the most out of the course. They have all worked extremely hard on subjects like community fire safety and hose running."

Cabinet member Councillor Susan Woodward said: "We are extremely proud of all the young people who took part and we hope that we can help to develop their skills in the very near future. They have all shown a tremendously high level of commitment throughout the course."